Depot riot: Kampung Sungai Kechil villagers tried in vain to stop escapees

Kampung Sungai Kechil villagers did not rule out the possibility that those still at large were hiding in surrounding oil palm plantations.

NIBONG TEBAL: Kampung Sungai Kechil villagers near here immediately called the police after chancing upon hundreds of Rohingyas passing through their area early on Wednesday (April 20) just before they encroached into the North-South Expressway (PLUS) via a pathway next to a pedestrian bridge.

Oblivious to the fact that the Rohingyas had earlier escaped from an immigration depot, the villagers, many of whom had just completed their sahur (pre-dawn meal) and were preparing for their Subuh prayers, were first alerted of their presence at about 6am by their loud chatter.